Friday, January 27, 2017

Teach them correct principles, and . . .

Joseph Smith understood the importance of context. He said, “I have a key by which I understand the scriptures. I enquire, what was the question which drew out the answer” (HC 5:261).

We can apply this to something else he said: “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 284).

It is sometimes misquoted as, “I teach them correct principles, and let them govern themselves.” It is a small difference in wording, but the correct quote suggests the people are properly exercising their agency.

Even more importantly, the quote needs to be put into context. The context is that a visitor to the city observed how obedient the people of Nauvoo were, and complimented the Prophet on it, and asked “how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order” (Ibid.).

The conversation, and therefore the quote, would not have taken place if the people of Nauvoo, as a whole, were disobedient. For example, this conversation would not make sense:

Disclaimer

This is not an official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have membership in this church. However, all beliefs expressed on this website should not be interpreted as official statements of LDS belief, doctrine, or practice.

The Plan of Salvation as One Eternal Round & as a Symbolic Map of the Mind

Follow by Email

Mission Statement

My mission is to inspire people to receive the Holy Ghost, the Son, and the Father. God makes this possible by changing what you are, so the closest I can come is to suggest that we may need to change what we think.